Gatherings stretched in Portland, Oregon. Thirteen people were arrested Saturday (August 17th) after a face-to-face meeting between right-wing activists and anti-fascist counter-demonstrators.
Hundreds of right-wing activists from the Proud Boys organization came together when they were joined by a similar number of anti-fascist counter protesters near a waterfront park. Clashes erupted between the two camps as well as between police and anti-fascist protesters at the end of the rally.
Four people were evacuated for minor injuries, police said, seizing weapons belonging to several groups, including anti-bear repellents, shields and iron bars. Clashes between right-wing and anti-fascist protesters have already taken place in Portland several times in recent months.
Donald Trump addresses the Mayor of Portland
A few hours before the rallies on Saturday, Donald Trump said that "special attention" was given to the classification of the anti-fascist movement as a terrorist organization. "Portland is being watched very closely and I hope the mayor will be able to do his job well!" He wrote on Twitter.
Major consideration is being given to naming ANTIFA an "ORGANIZATION OF TERROR." Portland is being watched very closely. Hopefully the Mayor will be able to properly do his job!
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2019Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said he does not care about tweets from Washington. "And frankly, it's not useful (...) This is a potentially dangerous and volatile situation," he told CNN.
With AFP and Reuters